Monty Robertson has undergone a rewarding period of progress and growth thanks to HELL Pizza’s Active in HELL (AiH) training programme, as he gets ready to seek permanent employment when he leaves school.
AiH is a paid training scheme run through HELL Pizza stores across the country, with support from IHC New Zealand. It teaches young adults with intellectual disabilities the practical skills required to thrive in a commercial kitchen, as well as the responsibility of having a job and working as part of a team.
17-year-old Monty says he felt very nervous at the start of his training but, thanks to the friendly and helpful team at HELL South Dunedin, he was able to put his fears aside and concentrate on the job at hand!
“I was a little worried before I had my first shift because I didn’t know what to expect, and I was concerned that people would be mean to me, but everyone was so nice and I quickly got more confident in the work I was doing.”
Important jobs
During Monty’s 12 paid shifts, he was responsible for oiling pizza pans, weighing out toppings, preparing sauces, and making up boxes – all crucial steps to delivering the final product.
He says he enjoyed his time working in a kitchen and would love to take on a role as a kitchen hand one day.
“He really enjoyed his time working for HELL,” says his mum Diana. “He felt like he was accepted and he was excited to go to his shifts. He loves that each week was different and allowed him to progress as he learned more about the job, which kept him stimulated.
“He also appreciated being paid for his work and saw the freedom that could entail for him once he gets into permament employment!”
Improved focus and independence
One of Monty’s main focuses during his training was to improve his independence and ability to work without guidance – something he did well, says IHC coordinator Ashleigh Pawsey.
“By his fifth day, I tested Monty to see how he would go independently – and he did well oiling the pans and making up boxes alone.”
In fact, Monty’s independence has increased so much that he’s taken on another placement at a kitchen in a retirement home, which shows the value of having the opportunity to undergo training with HELL.
Helping hand
HELL South Dunedin manager Hamish Dua is a long-time supporter of the AiH programme, which he values for its ability to give opportunities to those who may be denied them elsewhere.
“AiH helps people with intellectual disabilities to gain experience and skills in the community, which will benefit them as they search for employment,” says Hamish.
“All our trainees perform vital tasks that are essential for the business. Without prepped sauces, boxes and toppings, we wouldn’t be able to get a cooked pizza out the door,” adds Diana.
“I’d like to thank HELL for giving Monty this crucial experience and providing a platform to increase his confidence and personal growth. It’s such a great programme.”
Active in HELL overview
Active in HELL is a partnership between HELL Pizza and IHC New Zealand, the leading provider of services for people with intellectual disabilities.
The initiative provides youths with intellectual disabilities the chance to learn key vocational skills and vital independence through being paid for their training in HELL store kitchens around the country.
The paid training programme consists of 12 two-hour shifts, in which participants learn everything from food safety to how to create a devilishly good pizza.
Running since 2013, Active in HELL recently surpassed 200 graduates and in 2016 won the Diversability Award at the New Zealand Diversity Awards. The Diversability Award is presented to businesses that use innovation to create employment opportunities for differently abled people, including those with physical and mental health conditions.
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